The project's purpose was to restore a circa 1920's wooden Model of the Mayflower.
I was more than a little worried when receiving her in pieces. The hull had separated in three places, the rigging was mostly broken and the masts were leaning in all but the correct direction. A couple of sails had managed to hang on for dear life. Like many other models from that period, she's not exactly accurate. The masts in particular are extremely over-sized. Often these models have been in the family for years. Built by grandfathers and great-grandfathers, the emotional value can be priceless.
I was more than a little worried when receiving her in pieces. The hull had separated in three places, the rigging was mostly broken and the masts were leaning in all but the correct direction. A couple of sails had managed to hang on for dear life. Like many other models from that period, she's not exactly accurate. The masts in particular are extremely over-sized. Often these models have been in the family for years. Built by grandfathers and great-grandfathers, the emotional value can be priceless.
The model had to be completely taken apart and masts, rigging and other details were removed. The hull was repaired and dowels were used to prevent the hull from separating again. Once the hull was clean and in one piece again, she was coated and painted in her original colours. She also received a new planked hardwood deck, time had done quite some damage there.
And there she is; a little Mayflower model, ready for another century. A glimpse of the past, an ode to the creativity of our forefathers.
More about ship model restorations at: http://www.ageofsail.net/aosrest0.asp
The masts were rebuilt and hardwood caps were added to strengthen them. The sails were cleaned as much as is possible without losing the aged look, which I believe is very appropriate for the model. The model was re-rigged and her large metal flags got a face-lift to restore her colours. They may not be appropriate for the Mayflower, but they were kept as the original builder had intended.
And there she is; a little Mayflower model, ready for another century. A glimpse of the past, an ode to the creativity of our forefathers.
More about ship model restorations at: http://www.ageofsail.net/aosrest0.asp
This post first appeared on The Art Of Age Of Sail - Engineering History, please read the originial post: here
